5 Ways to Eliminate Candida Die-Off

Discover five natural and effective strategies for eliminating the negative effects of candida die-off during a candida diet.

Planning on using foods and supplements that fight candida? Prior to following a candida diet protocol, there is something you should be aware of: candida die-off. What is candida die-off? This process occurs when (as you may have already guessed) candida dies within the body. As you starve candida of the sugars and carbohydrates it needs to thrive, it begins to deteriorate. Once the die-off has commenced, the fungus releases toxins in the body. If too many of these toxins are released, problematic symptoms appear.

Learn more about candida die-off, as well as the five ways to prevent the negative consequences of this process.

Why isn’t candida an easy fungus to eliminate?

As learned already, candida feeds off of foods and beverages that are high in sugars and carbohydrates. However, the elimination of candida is not as simple as it may seem.

Candida is known for its interaction with multiple facets of the body. Therefore, eliminating candida from the entire body (and re-balancing all affected systems) is a tough task. One example of this is its strong link to and impact on the immune system, (as it is part of an immune deficiency1). When candida is present in the body, it affects the two arms of the immune system (TH1 and TH2). When this happens, TH1 increases and TH2 decreases. In addition to starving the food source of candida, supplements should be taken to balance TH1 and TH2 levels. Since healthy bacteria provides an excellent defense for the immune system2, choosing a probiotic is a crucial supplement to include.

Another challenge in eliminating candida is the fact that some strains are resistant to medication. When multiple medications fail to remove candida, it can take much longer than desired to rid the body of the resulting symptoms. Thankfully, the use of products such as berberine has been shown effective in removing candida3.

Candida isn’t the only fungus that can be challenging to eliminate with medication. Antifungal resistance is becoming much more common. This further emphasizes the importance of finding natural mechanisms for healing4.

The candida-gut connection

It has been reported that “scientists have discovered over 1,000 species of bacteria in the gut.” Understanding the impact that candida has on the gut is essential for maintaining a proper balance of good gut bacteria.

The connection between the gut and candida overgrowth is undeniable5. Often, the immune system and healthy gut bacteria control levels of candida. However, if either of these systems is disrupted by factors such as antibiotics6, stress, or your diet, candida can grow out of control.

Getting your gut bacteria back into balance is important for more reasons than simply fighting off candida7. Research has proven that the gut microbiome is linked to almost every part of the body8. When gut bacteria become unbalanced, serious conditions such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, depression, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, autism, heart disease, and even asthma can develop. This is primarily due to the role that your gut microbiome plays in immune function9

In addition to the role that healthy gut bacteria plays in pro-actively controlling candida, certain strains of probiotics are also useful in dealing with candida die-off. Two of the most effective strains are Bifidobacterium longum10, and Lactobacillus casei subspecies Rhamnosus GG (LGG).

What are the symptoms of candida die-off?

Not feeling well while adhering to a candida diet protocol? You are likely experiencing symptoms of candida die-off.

When you’ve made the decision to commit to a candida diet, it can be discouraging to feel less than your best while following the protocol. For those who do not take the steps to prevent consequences, the following unpleasant symptoms can result:

Headaches

Fever

Chills

Intense fatigue

Joint pain

Insomnia

Mood changes

Acne

Nausea

Bloating

In order to prevent symptoms like the ones listed above, explore five of my favorite solutions for supporting the body during any candida protocol.

Solution #1 – Provide support to the liver

When candida starts to die, the liver is responsible for processing the toxins that are released. Once processed by the liver, they move through the colon for elimination. All herbs that promote liver health are excellent to use during a candida diet.

Examples of herbs that support the liver include the following:

Milk thistle – Aids in the regeneration of the liver11, supports detoxification and improves digestion.

Dandelion root – Stimulates bile to ensure that the liver doesn’t get congested.

Yellow dock root – Known as a blood purifier, this herb has numerous positive effects on the gut, bile, and liver. It is also known as a mild diuretic to assist in the removal of toxins.

A healthy gut microbiome is different for every person12. In fact, the future of medicine and functional medicine will rely on a customized approach to microbiome needs. However, there are a few exceptional recommendations that can help most people.

Solution #1.2 – Provide support to the gut

Examples of herbs that support the gut include the following:

Peppermint – This herb is not only good for fresh breath, but it is also effective in soothing the digestive system. As toxins are moved to the small intestine for removal, the gut can become irritated. Peppermint helps the body break down fat, which assists the liver in toxin removal.

Garlic and allicin – Both have been shown very effective in preventing candida symptoms. Allicin is the active compound in garlic that contains antifungal, antibacterial, and cardiovascular protection13.

Ginger

Licorice root – Licorice root has also been shown to support the adrenals.

Combination of curcumin and garlic – Successfully eliminates candida, but will very rarely cause detox symptoms. Keeping a low dose of these in the body helps with elimination and inflammation14. Studies have shown that curcumin by itself is effective as an antifungal and anti-candida supplement15.

Activated charcoal – This is one of my favorite tools to use for symptoms.Activated charcoal binds to the mycotoxins that are released by candida, and therefore reduces die-off symptoms.

Increasing stomach acid with certain supplements, as well as with apple cider vinegar, has been shown to help control candida levels in the body16.

Solution #2 – Fiber and carb cycling

Consuming foods that are high in fiber (such as cruciferous vegetables) is essential when following a candida fighting diet. Why? High fiber foods support detoxification within the body, and assists with the removal of candida toxins.

Additionally, be sure to choose healthy sources of carbohydrates, and to cycle your carbs. I recommend eating your lowest carb meal in the morning, and your highest carb meal at dinner.Be sure that you are consuming a sufficient amount of carbohydrates, since restricting carbs too much may increase symptoms.

Solution #4 – Promote frequent and regular elimination

Ultimately, candida is removed when it is passed through elimination. Therefore, if you are regularly and frequently eliminating both urine and stool, you will get rid of the candida quicker, and reduce the chance that symptoms will occur within the body.

Here are a few ways to promote more frequent elimination:

Urine – Increase the amount of fluids you are drinking each day (especially water). You may also want to add small amounts of minerals to your water to assist in the rehydration of the body. Also consider a cup or 2 or bone broth with a fat like coconut oil and sea or Himalayan salt to assist in any detox symptoms.

Stool – Use magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate to help move your bowels more regularly.

Additional supplements that support healthy elimination:

Castor oil packs – Place these easy-to-make packs over the liver. This will assist in more efficiently emptying the bowels. Castor oil packs work well because they cause smooth muscle relaxation in your colon, which ultimately serves to increase bowel movements. These also provide an exceptional way to enhance liver function.

Vitamin C – Take 2,500mg once a day, or 1,000mg twice per day to help with elimination.

Solution #5 – Advanced therapies

For those who are looking to move beyond supplements and dietary techniques, there are a few outstanding options from which to choose.

First, infrared saunas are a wonderful way to reduce candida die-off. If you are new to infrared saunas, start off very slow at first. Only stay in the sauna long enough to begin to sweat.

Second, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has also been shown to reduce liver inflammation17, and therefore assist with eliminating candida die-off. Just 30-45 minutes spent in one of these chambers can reduce or almost completely eliminate symptoms.

The Thyroid & Candida Connection

Candida also plays a huge role in thyroid and autoimmune conditions. Research suggests 80% of Americans could suffer from thyroid dysfunction.Discover the solution to unwanted symptoms. Fatigue, weight gain, thyroid and digestive problems are all signs of immune imbalances.

Dr. Brad Gorski has a passion to help others eliminate autoimmunity. People with autoimmune disease suffer with symptoms for years before they get answers. Eliminating his own autoimmune disease lead him to a system of customized health coaching that is impacting those with autoimmune problems.

Information provided on DrBradGorski.com is for educational purposes only.

This Pastoral Medical Association (PMA) practitioner does not practice medicine. More specifically, this practitioner does not: examine, diagnose, treat, offer to treat, cure, or attempt to cure: any physical or mental disease or disorder, or any physical deformity or injury. Nor does this practitioner prescribe or recommend any drugs or medicine.